Today His Holiness, the 41st Sakya Trinzin, arrives at the IBA from Pokhara, and already a large crowd has gathered to meet him. He will be giving a Manjushri Jenang and teachings on Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen’s Songs of Realisation here in the IBA on March 20th (from 9am) in English. His other activities are listed below (please note that these are not organised by the IBA and may be liable to change, so we will not be in a position to advise about any changes to His Holiness’ programme of teachings).

16-18 March: Trulshik Rinpoche’s Monastery in Swayambu

19 March: Visit to Triyana Dharma Centre, pilgrimage to Swayambu and visit to the Mustang Samaj gompa where he will confer Chenrezig ns Green Tara initiation.

20 March: Manjushri Jenang and teaching on Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen’s songs of realisation at the IBA

This Summer we will offer three individual month-long courses in Buddhist meditation and philosophy (see below and follow the links for more information), all of which are essential for genuine Buddhist practice. The first and third months have a practical emphasis: the stages of meditation and mind training. The second month is more philosophically-oriented.

In addition, there will be three separate courses in Tibetan language offered (Mon-Fri) in June, July and August.

We will also be offering a 10 day retreat. Details will be confirmed shortly.

The courses are taught directly in English by experienced and fully-qualified teachers (Khenpos) and are supplemented with afternoon revision and Q&A sessions.

Registration opens on February 15th. Please note that this year accommodation on-campus is limited. Please do not send any deposit until your on-campus accommodation has been confirmed.

Kamalaśīla was the disciple of the great abbot Śāntarakśita. It is Kamalaśīla’s most widely renowned work, and teaches how to progress on the Buddhist path. In this course we will study the first book in the series of three, which is the most extensive is rarely taught. .This course will discuss the theoretical as well as the practical aspects of authentic Buddhist practice.

Candrakīrti was a Buddhist master famous for his exposition of the Madhyamaka (‘Middle Way’) philosophy, generally regarded in Tibet as the pinnacle of Buddhist thought. More than just an introduction to this philosophy, his Introduction to the Middle Way is an extensive and profound treatise studied by all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism up to the present day, aimed at revealing the view of ultimate reality.

According to the Mahāyāna, it is said that the entire Buddhist path is contained in one thing only: the practice of bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment. Ga Rabjamba Kunga Yeshe’s text on Mind Training (lojong) teaches methods which are easy to apply in everyday life and have the power to produce a profound inner transformation.

Giving with an open heart brings us joy and directly benefits others. Goods are then shared more equitably within our society and among nations, soothing the ill-feeling of social inequity and promoting world peace. Sharing is a source of our continued existence as a species. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, it is not survival of the fittest, but survival of those who cooperate the most, that makes a species prosper. None of us exists independently; we have to depend on others simply to stay alive. Thus, helping others and sharing wealth benefits both self and others. Generosity makes us happy now, enables our species to continue to prosper, and creates positive karma that brings us prosperity in the future. In addition, it is an essential trait of an enlightened being. Who ever heard of a stingy Buddha?

There are many ways in which you can support the training of future monastic leaders, teachers and translators who are currently studying at the I.B.A. By supporting the monastic Sangha, you are not only helping preserve and spread the teachings of the Buddha, you are also creating much positive merit for yourself. As the Buddha taught, accumulating merit and wisdom are the two stages which need to be accomplished in order to achieve liberation.

Can you help in any way? Our Fundraising and Development manager the Ven. Kunga Dondrup will be very happy to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about how you can support the work and vision of the International Buddhist Academy. You may also donate by following this link.